Parishioner Spotlight: Katie Baric and Chimuk – Knitting a Better Future
St. Michael Parish is blessed to highlight the inspiring work of our own parishioner and former St. Michael School student, Katie Baric – founder of Chimuk, a social-impact company that partners with women artisans in Peru to create handmade knitwear.
Calling & Leadership
From a young age, Katie felt called to serve communities experiencing poverty. After witnessing hardship firsthand as a child in Honduras, she developed a lifelong commitment to reducing global inequities. Her path led her to Peru in 2013 as a volunteer, an experience that inspired her to co-found Hands on Peru, where she now serves as Executive Director. Katie leads programs that expand access to public health services, preventive care, and health education for low-income communities. Through initiatives like cooking classes, knitting workshops, and community activities, she empowers individuals to take an active role in their health and wellbeing. Katie’s leadership has been recognized with the Ivan and Mary Novik Award for Young Alumni Leadership, honoring her impact on communities in Peru.
You can watch Katie’s award video here to learn more about her journey and mission.
Chimuk: Empowering Women Artisans
Founded through the nonprofit Hands on Peru, Chimuk began in 2016 as a women’s support and skills-building program. Today, it has grown into a community of 20 women artisans who create handmade, sustainable knitwear, with the proceeds directly helping support these mothers care for their families.
Chimuk artisans craft a variety of beautifully made pieces – including winter beanies, scarves, hoods, summer classics, and bucket hats – all produced with responsibly sourced Peruvian alpaca and Tangüis cotton.
Their new Highland Collection is now available for preorder.
Every Chimuk item carries a QR code that connects you directly to the story of the woman who made it, honoring transparency, cultural heritage, and the sacred dignity of work. By shopping Chimuk, parishioners make a meaningful impact: empowering women to work their way out of poverty, strengthening families, and preserving traditional Peruvian artistry.
Gift Ideas for Christmas
With Christmas quickly approaching, parishioners have a special opportunity to purchase meaningful, ethically made gifts that directly support the women and their families. Chimuk’s handmade accessories make beautiful, thoughtful presents – each one crafted with care and carrying the story of its artisan.
To explore Chimuk, support the artisans, or learn more about volunteer opportunities and their mission, visit shopchimuk.com.
Let us keep Katie and the women of Chimuk in our prayers as they continue “knitting a better future” for their community.
